The Ruth jackson orthopaedic society

The ruth jackson orthopaedic society (RJOS) was founded in 1983 as a support and networking group for the growing number of women orthopaedic surgeons. The women at the first meeting felt that there were many common problems confronting them, which could best be solved by pooling resources. These range from sharing technical solutions for practice problems to how to survive motherhood and orthopaedic practice/residency at the same time. The RJOS began with 42 women and has grown to a membership of more than 600. The majority is from North America, with international female orthopaedists included. The membership is comprised of practicing orthopaedic surgeons, residents, fellows, and medical students. With these varied perspectives, RJOS offers a woman’s viewpoint on the rewards and shortcomings of a career in orthopaedics. For the medical student, resident and fellow there is a mentoring program to offer guidance as well as practical suggestions for choosing and completing an orthopaedic residency. Those members considering a first job, a fellowship or a career change can be linked through the Mentoring Committee with someone experienced in those areas. RJOS has focused effort on several area of relevance for practicing orthopaedic surgeons. Working along with the AAOS, educational projects involving osteoporosis and family violence has been completed. Future RJOS efforts will involve women’s musculoskeletal health and physician leadership training. In 1985, Dr. Jackson generously established an Endowment Fund to help finance guest lectures at the RJOS annual meeting. The Society has now placed the endowment with the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. Through partnering with industry, the Society has developed the RJOS Traveling Fellowship Program, which awards two fellowships annually, and a Resident Research Award. As of 2002, RJOS also offers two Medical Student Scholarships for those students interested in attending the AAOS Annual Meeting and the RJOS luncheon. The Society holds a luncheon meeting each year during the AAOS annual meeting. This is a time for conducting the business of the society and also for networking and socializing. RJOS also sponsors a fall Biennial meeting which includes educational as well as career and personal enhancement offerings. Committee work powers the organization. Opportunities for membership are available on the Membership, Mentoring, Program, Nominating, Scientific and Communications Committees. The purpose of the Society is to (i) support the growth and leadership of current and prospective women orthopaedic professionals through education, mentoring, research and outreach, and (ii) promote and advance musculoskeletal health and science, including sex and gender differences. The three main components which are vital to the organization’s mission are to: provide for the professional development of women orthopaedic professionals; promote the advancement of musculoskeletal health and orthopaedic surgery, including, but not limited to, the female sex, inclusive of girls and women; and promote the leadership of women orthopaedic professionals.